Pretty Paint-by-Number Projects

Turn paint-by-number artwork into decorative masterpieces.

Why should walls have all the fun? In her book, Living in a Nutshell ($25; Harper Design), Janet Lee reveals clever ways to display paint-by-number art—on tabletops, sconce shades, even drawer fronts.

More

view gallery

01of03

01Of03

01Of03

Getting Started

Getting Started

Measure the surface you want to cover, and mark those dimensions atop the desired section of your painting. Score the marked lines with a craft knife, then cut along the scored marks with sharp scissors. Secure the image to your object's surface with a strong adhesive, like Magna-Tac 809 ($6.98 for eight ounces; mjtrim.com), and let dry for an hour. Protect the image with two coats of Plaid Clear Acrylic Matte Sealer ($3.93 for six ounces; sears.com), allowing 15 minutes of drying time after each coat.

Table: For most tabletops, you'll need to use a larger than average painting.

Kate Sears

01Of03

Sconce

Sconce

When measuring your sconce shade, add an additional quarter inch to both the top and bottom edges for a more finished look.

Getting Started

Measure the surface you want to cover, and mark those dimensions atop the desired section of your painting. Score the marked lines with a craft knife, then cut along the scored marks with sharp scissors. Secure the image to your object's surface with a strong adhesive, like Magna-Tac 809 ($6.98 for eight ounces; mjtrim.com), and let dry for an hour. Protect the image with two coats of Plaid Clear Acrylic Matte Sealer ($3.93 for six ounces; sears.com), allowing 15 minutes of drying time after each coat.

Table: For most tabletops, you'll need to use a larger than average painting.

Kate Sears

2Of3

Sconce

When measuring your sconce shade, add an additional quarter inch to both the top and bottom edges for a more finished look.

Kate Sears

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

3Of3

Drawers

When measuring the height and width of a drawer front, note the exact position of its knob. Mark the corresponding spot on the painting, and punch a hole through the image using an awl. Remove the drawer's knob before gluing the image in place. After applying the protective coating to the image and allowing it to dry, screw the knob back in place through the punched hole.